West Northamptonshire Council accused of targeting the most vulnerable by carers

Carers of adults with special needs have accused West Northamptonshire Council of cutting costs and targeting the most vulnerable members of society.

Peter Thompson is the parent of a 39-year-old man with severe learning disabilities, who currently attends day care services in Daventry and Towcester.

The services are set to be scrapped, while Southfields House and Obelisk House care homes will close along with supported living facility Eleanor Lodge.

He spoke out at the cabinet meeting when the cuts were given the green light, and accused the council of ‘decimating’ social care and enforcing ‘draconian cuts’ to slash costs.

He says the decision has left him ‘deeply concerned, angry and heartbroken’.

Mr Thompson said: “These groups are not merely social clubs or convenient pastimes, they are an essential lifeline. For vulnerable adults with learning and physical disabilities, these services provide routine, independence, mental stimulation, and a vital sense of community. For families and carers, they offer the only reliable respite from 24/7 caregiving, preventing total burnout.

“To strip these services away with seemingly little thought, care, or meaningful consultation for the people who rely on them is nothing short of a betrayal. Many families are already stretched to breaking point amid the ongoing pressures on social care.

“Forcing vulnerable individuals out of familiar routines and isolating them further will only lead to a crisis in health and wellbeing down the line.”

Mr Thompson says local authorities have a legal duty to protect the most vulnerable in society and conduct transparent public consultations before dismantling care provision.

But he says families in Daventry and across Northamptonshire are being ‘left in the dark’ and forced to fight for basic support.

He added: “I urge West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) to immediately pause these cuts, listen to the voices of affected service users and carers, and work with the community to protect these indispensable services. Our community deserves better than decisions made behind closed doors at the expense of those who need our protection most.”

His calls have been echoed by Sue Henry, who’s son Charles is 41 years old and is deaf, unable to talk and has conditions including learning difficulties and chronic lung disease.

She says her son was failed by the authority when he moved to the town in 2020 after she said the council failed to look for a place to suit his needs, despite having five-months’ notice.

Sue claims her son was placed in unsuitable accommodation costing £8,000 a week, before later being placed in Berrywood Mental Hospital.

Sue has spoken out to accuse the authority of failing other vulnerable people in Northamptonshire. 

She said: “This is the council cutting their costs and affecting the most vulnerable people in their care.

“They chose this vulnerable sector of society because they do not have a voice or organisation which cares and supports them to fight these disgusting decisions.

“They ruined our son’s life and now they are shattering the lives of so many more people.”

West Northamptonshire Council says ‘families and carers will be at the heart of the journey to modernise care services’.

The authority says the service will place greater emphasis on helping people develop life skills, build confidence and increase independence.

Cllr Laura Couse, spokeswoman for adult care and public health, said: “We recognise this is a difficult and a deeply sensitive decision, which cabinet has considered very carefully and made in the best interests of those who use these services now and in the future.

“We know this news will be worrying for some residents and families, and our priority now is to work closely with every person affected to make sure they receive the support, information and reassurance they need.”